American Swims to North Korea to... Criticise America

A 29-year-old American swam across a river to enter North Korea illegally, before avoiding prosecution and death squads by slagging off America in front of his guests.

Texan Arturo Pierre Martinez avoided arrest by toeing the country line in hating the US, criticising the country's stance on Iraq and comparing its government to the mafia. His mother said he's simply "worried about the world" and was trying to make a difference with his stunt. [Independent]